Pioneering police officer passes away

MANSFIELD – John McDowell was a father figure to the kids of the north end.

McDowell, 76, died recently. He was something of a pioneer with the Mansfield Police Department.

In 1961, the lifelong resident of Mansfield became only the fourth black officer in the history of the police department at the age of 23.

Within two years, McDowell became the department’s first black detective. He was assigned to the juvenile section.

McDowell also served in the patrol bureau, working with community relations, and as the school resource officer for Mansfield City Schools.

Retired police Chief Phil Messer and retired Capt. Marijan Grogoza said McDowell was at his best working with kids.

“A lot of kids in the north end didn’t have a father figure in their lives,” Grogoza said.

McDowell filled that void.

“He had a special connection with kids,” Messer said. “Kids really seemed to listen to him.”

Grogoza said McDowell didn’t rely strictly on enforcement. He often would take kids for a “station-house adjustment” that required a light touch instead of a heavy hand.

In such adjustments, McDowell would sit down with the kid for what Grogoza called a “talking to.”

Cindy Baker, who retired as community development manager in 2012, started working for the city as a police receptionist in 1975. McDowell was assigned to the juvenile section of the detective bureau at the time.

“He tried to put the kids who were in trouble on the right track,” Baker said. “Everybody had their own niche at that time. His special calling was working with the kids.”

Messer said McDowell thrived as a community policing officer, calling him ahead of his time.

“He was really the epitome of what we would expect out of a community policing officer,” the former chief said. “He was a very caring and genuine person. He really believed in the work he did.”

McDowell was a veteran by the time Messer and Grogoza came along. Both said he influenced them.

“I learned a lot from him just by listening and watching,” Messer said.

Grogoza added: “John was a man that carried himself in a humble manner. He was kind and dignified.”

As one of the city’s first female officers, Grogoza could identify with McDowell’s path. She said he always was supportive and encouraging of her.

She said she appreciated McDowell’s approach.

“He was always there in the background,” Grogoza said. “He wasn’t seeking glory. He just wanted to help people.

“John lived what he believed.”

In 1988, John became the first African-American to retire from the city police department, serving 27 years.

McDowell is survived by his wife of 54 years, Emily, and three children.